Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $27.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Aberdeen, SD runs $27.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,968 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,177 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the projected median hourly pay for an elementary school teacher is $27.39. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.06, indicating a more competitive market for educators elsewhere. For part-time teachers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into diverse opportunities in K-12 classroom instruction, after-school programs, and summer school settings. Entry-level teachers in the area can earn approximately $21.49 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach as high as $42.45, depending on their specific role and the institution. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the financial landscape for elementary educators in Aberdeen.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.49 | $171.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.11 | $200.91 |
| Median (P50) | $27.39 | $219.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.87 | $278.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.45 | $339.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $27.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.39/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $56,962 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,863. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,095.43 | $4,747 | $56,962 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $657.26 | $2,848 | $34,177 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $438.17 | $1,899 | $22,785 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Aberdeen) | $27.39 |
| Middle School Teacher (National Avg) | $32.16 |
| High School Teacher (National Avg) | $33.55 |
| Preschool Teacher (National Avg) | $18.53 |
| Special Education Teacher (National Avg) | $32.74 |
Elementary School Teachers in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $56,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $59,966.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.39/hr = $34,177/year (purchasing power: $36,829).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,962/year (purchasing power: $61,382).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Aberdeen grew 7.2% from $25.30/hr (2019) to $27.12/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.65/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem elementary school teachers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Elementary School Teacher in Aberdeen
Part-time elementary school teachers earning $27.39 hourly and working a three-day week typically take home around $34,304 annually, which is substantially less than a full-time teacher’s earnings. For those looking for flexibility, per-diem opportunities—often sought through substitute teaching—can yield daily pay rates of $100 to $250, depending on the district and need. Tutoring engagements via platforms such as Wyzant or Varsity Tutors can offer higher pay rates, ranging from $30 to $80 per hour. In Aberdeen, compensation can vary by employer type, with public school districts generally adhering to a step-and-lane pay structure, while charter and private schools may offer different rates or additional benefits. For educators seeking to enhance their earnings, understanding the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus stability with lower rates is crucial. Practical negotiation strategies can empower teachers to secure better terms in a market where experience and credentials can significantly affect pay rates.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for elementary school teachers in Aberdeen. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov